Opća informiranost i stavovi medicinskih sestara o metodama prenatalne genetičke dijagnostike

Introduction: Prenatal genetic diagnostics involves diagnostic procedures that examine diseases or pathological conditions in the fetus. We can divide it into two types of methods: invasive and non-invasive. Given that invasive methods can significantly harm both the mother and the fetus, non-invasive methods have been rapidly developed in recent decades. They are safer, but nonetheless, both pose significant ethical challenges. Nurses can in many ways contribute to the development of prenatal diagnostics by providing information to parents, familiarizing parents with the diagnostic procedure, empathizing with them, providing support in resolving the ethical dilemmas that parents face.The aim of this study was to examine and determine the general awareness of nurses about the methods of prenatal genetic diagnostics and to examine the attitudes of nurses about their role in the process of prenatal diagnosis.Methods: The sample consisted of nurses working at the Sisters of Mercy Clinical Hospital Center and the Našice County General Hospital at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 115 respondents participated in the study. A questionnaire consisting of 29 questions was used.Results: Subjects showed mediocre knowledge of prenatal diagnosis. They believe that pregnant women should perform non-invasive tests, that prenatal methods are reliable, and that nurses can help accept information about the child's anomalies. On the other hand, respondents disagree with the claim that nurses should give advice to pregnant women and that invasive methods are dangerous.Discussion: The research points to the need for additional education of nurses so that they can act in the field of prenatal diagnostics and be involved in genetic counseling.Conclusion: With the development of prenatal genetic diagnostics, new ethical dilemmas are emerging that are becoming an increasing challenge to nurses. Therefore, it is extremely important to encourage the education of nurses in the field of prenatal genetic diagnostics. The role of nurses should not be limited to assisting